Brian’s Reflection: Thursday, April 19, '12

The gods perceive future events,

mortals present ones,

and the wise perceive those that are imminent.

Philostratus, Life of Apollonius of Tyana VIII.7

Men have knowledge of the present.

As for the future, the gods know it, alone and fully enlightened.

But for matters on the verge of occurring,

things that are imminent, these the wise perceive.

Sometimes, when they are deep in study, their hearing is convulsed.

The veiled hum of imminent events approaches.

And they listen rapt.

Meanwhile, out on the street, the people hear nothing.

Cavafy

mother earth
the far-flung stars and galaxies
the neural pathways of the brain
winds of all kinds
through trees, through cultures,
pain, war, fear, anger
cries for peace
silence in eyes of hunger
helpless longing for love

matters on the verge of occurring
archaic meaning: overhanging

I, on the street
talk a lot
thinking it prayer

do I listen … rapt?

- Orrock